Northwest Fisheries Enhancement -NWFE was also at the release observing the efforts of Tacoma Power and FOC. Projects like these can be a model for other Community Fisheries Organizations around the Northwest. Acclimation pens, rearing or alternative conservation programs, NWFE portable conservation hatcheries, remote incubator sites all can be done and see results in improved adult fish return of not just hatchery but wild fish born in rivers and this is a great project. Programs like this supported by Public Utilities that have mitigated responsibilities, working with interested groups and CFOs can help make a difference in Salmon and Steelhead adult returns to a river system said Larry Pryor of NWFE and may decrease rate payer costs. Alternate conservation programs that NWFE and CFOs can manage like this collaborative effort can help make a difference. There are a several types of programs around the NW we’re helping and this is a great example of one, Pryor said!

FOC has been assisting in Net Pen rearing for nearly 20 years, a program began by Don Glasier- president of FOC, at times as many as 25 net pens along the Cowlitz River with Salmon, Steelhead and Searun Cutthroat Trout, but now just 7 net pens. In past studies his net pen reared fish have had higher Smolt to Adult Returns (SARs) than the hatchery released fish, he believes due to his and the volunteers attention, The program success is due to the support of Tacoma Power, WDFW and the many volunteers of Friends of the Cowlitz and their supporters.

FOC will receive 10,000 searun cutthroat later in the week from TP to be reared and released for their upcoming journey.

NWFE provides project planning, biological, advocacy, funding development support to CFOs to build sustainable, effective programs like this and others around the Northwest.